Parrot Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum): Growing Guide & Legal Status

Parrot Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) is one of the most visually distinctive aquatic plants. Its feathery, bright green whorls of finely divided leaves look like miniature pine branches growing from the water. It grows both submersed and emersed (above water), making it popular for paludariums, ponds, and aquariums. However, Parrot Feather comes with an important caveat: it's classified as an invasive species in many areas. Before purchasing, know the regulations in your region.

What Is Parrot Feather?

Parrot Feather is a South American aquatic plant in the watermilfoil family. It gets its common name from the feathery leaf whorls that resemble parrot plumage. The plant grows rooted in substrate with stems that can extend above the water surface, creating dense, attractive emersed growth that's particularly stunning in ponds and open-top tanks.

⚠️ Legal Status

Parrot Feather is classified as an invasive or noxious aquatic plant in many U.S. states and several countries because it can form dense mats in natural waterways, clogging streams and displacing native plants.

Before purchasing or growing Parrot Feather:

• Check your state/country's prohibited plant list
• Never release into natural waterways, storm drains, or the outdoors
• Dispose of trimmings in sealed bags in the trash, not compost or drains
• Some states prohibit sale, purchase, and possession

In a controlled indoor aquarium or container pond, Parrot Feather poses no environmental risk. The concern is only when it escapes into natural ecosystems.

Parrot Feather Care Requirements

Emersed vs. Submersed Growth

Parrot Feather looks and behaves differently depending on whether it's growing underwater or above:

The most impressive Parrot Feather displays feature stems growing from below the waterline up and out above it, showcasing both growth forms.

Growing Parrot Feather in Aquariums

1. Plant stems in substrate at the back of the tank, buried 1–2 inches deep
2. Open-top tanks recommended — Allows emersed growth above the waterline, which is the plant's most attractive feature
3. Trim regularly — Without trimming, Parrot Feather grows rapidly and crowds other plants
4. Provide good light — Medium to high light produces the densest, most colorful growth

Parrot Feather in Ponds & Paludariums

Parrot Feather excels in:

• Container water gardens: Plant in submerged pots. Stems grow up and cascade over the pot edges.
• Paludariums: The emersed growth above the waterline creates a lush, jungle-like appearance. Perfect for the transitional water-to-land zone.
• Indoor ponds: Controlled indoor water features benefit from Parrot Feather's visual impact and water filtration.

Maintenance and Control

• Trim weekly: Fast growth means weekly trimming during peak season
• Remove excess: Pull out overgrown sections by hand. Dispose in sealed trash bags.
• Never compost or flush: Even small fragments can root and establish new growth

Alternatives to Parrot Feather

If Parrot Feather is restricted in your area, these plants provide similar feathery looks:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parrot Feather legal?

It depends on your location. Parrot Feather is banned or restricted in many U.S. states (including all of New England, much of the Southeast, and Pacific Northwest), the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Europe. Check local regulations before purchasing. Indoor aquarium use is sometimes exempt, but sale and transport may still be prohibited.

Can Parrot Feather grow fully submersed?

Yes, but it's less impressive. Submersed growth is softer, lighter-colored, and slower-growing than the dramatic emersed form. For purely submersed tanks with a lid, Hornwort or Cabomba provide a similar feathery look without needing to grow above the waterline.

Will Parrot Feather take over my pond?

In outdoor ponds, yes—it can become extremely aggressive. Keep it in contained pots within the pond, and trim regularly. In warm climates, it may need monthly aggressive cutting back. Never allow it to spread to natural waterways.